Let's talk about one of the funniest poems you've probably never heard of. Written in the 1600s, Le Lutrin (The Lectern) is a masterclass in poking fun at serious literature. Boileau takes the grand, dramatic style used for ancient heroes and gods and applies it to the most trivial church dispute imaginable.

The Story

The plot is wonderfully simple. A Canon loves his afternoon nap, but a massive wooden lectern blocks his sunlight. Annoyed, he demands the church Treasurer move it. The Treasurer, a stubborn and self-important man, refuses. This tiny spat escalates into an epic battle, complete with dramatic speeches, secret meetings, and divine interventions from allegorical figures like Discord. The entire church community gets drawn into the chaos over this piece of furniture.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book so great is its perfect tone. Boileau never winks at the camera; he plays the absurdity completely straight, which makes it even funnier. You get all the thunderous language of an epic poem, but it's about moving a desk. It's a brilliant satire of human pride and how we blow small problems out of proportion. The characters, for all their pomp, are instantly recognizable—we've all met a stubborn bureaucrat like the Treasurer.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for readers who enjoy clever satire, classic literature that doesn't take itself too seriously, or a good historical laugh. You don't need to be a poetry expert; you just need to appreciate a well-executed joke. Think of it as the 17th-century version of a witty sitcom episode set in a cathedral. It's short, sharp, and immensely satisfying.